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Answer: True
Mandala (Sanskrit: circle) is a geometric symbol of the universe in Hinduism and Buddhism. Used in rituals, meditation, and temple architecture, it guides practitioners from outer forms to inner enlightenment.
Answer: Elephanta Caves
Elephanta Caves (Mumbai Harbor) face erosion and salinity damage from rising sea levels. 2025 conservation plan includes seawalls, drainage systems, and digital documentation to safeguard rock-cut sculptures.
Answer: 1952
Sangeet Natak Akademi (1952) was the first national academy of arts set up by independent India. It preserves intangible heritage through awards, documentation, training, and festivals across performing arts.
Answer: True
Diwali (North India) marks Rama's return after defeating Ravana; Durga Puja (East India) celebrates Durga slaying Mahishasura. Both use lights, community feasts, and cultural performances to symbolize light over darkness.
Answer: Brahmagupta
Brahmagupta (7th century CE) formalized zero as a number and established rules for arithmetic operations with zero and negatives in 'Brahmasphutasiddhanta'. His work influenced Islamic and European mathematics.
Answer: Bhasha Suraksha
Bhasha Suraksha Award (2025) honors individuals/organizations documenting and revitalizing endangered Indian languages. Includes grants for dictionaries, oral history archives, and community language programs.
Answer: True
Accessible Heritage Guidelines (2024) ensure inclusive access to monuments for persons with disabilities. Includes physical infrastructure, sensory aids, and trained staff. Aligns with Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
Answer: Theyyam
Theyyam is North Kerala's ritual art where performers become deities through vibrant costumes, face painting, and trance. Rooted in ancestor worship and folk Hinduism, it preserves pre-Brahminical traditions and community justice.
Answer: Chandela
Khajuraho Dance Festival (Madhya Pradesh) features classical dances at Chandela temples (950-1050 CE). Organized by MP Tourism, it promotes cultural tourism and preserves India's classical dance heritage.
Answer: True
Vande Mataram, from Anandamath, was first sung at 1896 Congress session. Though controversial for its Hindu imagery, it became a powerful nationalist symbol. First two verses are India's national song (adopted 1950).
Answer: Heritage Hunters
Heritage Hunters (2025) trains students to record oral histories, photograph crafts, and create short films on local traditions. Fosters cultural awareness, digital skills, and community engagement among youth.
Answer: Dravida
Meenakshi Temple (Madurai, Tamil Nadu) is a masterpiece of Dravida architecture: pyramidical vimanas, ornate gopurams, and thousand-pillared hall. Continuously expanded since 12th century, it remains a living temple.
Answer: True
Bidriware (Bidar) uses zinc-copper alloy blackened with ammonium chloride, with silver inlay. Dokra uses lost-wax casting with brass/bronze. Both are GI-tagged crafts representing distinct regional metallurgical traditions.
Answer: Surya Siddhanta
Surya Siddhanta (c. 4th-5th century CE) is a foundational Sanskrit astronomical text detailing planetary orbits, eclipses, trigonometry, and cosmology. Translated into Arabic and Persian, it influenced global astronomy.
Answer: abhinaya
Kathak combines nritta (pure dance) with abhinaya (expression) to narrate stories from epics and folklore. Evolved from temple storytelling traditions, later influenced by Mughal court aesthetics.
Answer: True
National Cultural Data Repository (2024) integrates databases from ASI, Sangeet Natak Akademi, Lalit Kala Akademi, etc. Enables cross-ministerial planning, research access, and evidence-based cultural policy formulation.
Answer: Champu
Champu is a mixed genre alternating verse (kavya) and prose (gadya), used for epics like Bana's Kadambari. Allows narrative flexibility and aesthetic variety, distinct from pure poetry (kavya) or drama (nataka).
Answer: Living Traditions
Living Traditions Project (2025) documents endangered practices: oral epics, ritual arts, craft techniques. Uses community-led digital archiving and intergenerational transmission programs to ensure cultural continuity.
Answer: True
Raga Chikitsa (music therapy) links ragas to times, seasons, and healing: Bhairav for morning calm, Malkauns for anxiety relief. Ancient texts like Sangita Ratnakara document ragas' physiological and psychological effects.
Answer: Microbial Induced Calcite Precipitation
MICP (2025 pilot) uses bacteria to precipitate calcium carbonate, strengthening weathered stone without chemicals. Tested at Qutub Minar and Khajuraho, it offers sustainable alternative to synthetic consolidants.